No one interrupted, they wouldn't dare but not of fear or because they agreed, but because they recognised him.
ShangYan continued without raising his voice.
"On what basis is Shen Zihao considered better than Liu Liuxian?"
The question did not invite response.
"Is it because of birth?" he asked calmly, before continuing without waiting. "Then perhaps someone should explain why I am sitting here."
The silence continued further.
"I was also born outside of marriage," he said evenly. "The difference is that I never allowed other people to define what that meant for me."
His gaze returned briefly to Guiying.
"Did he choose how he was born?" he asked. "Did any of you?"
No answer followed.
"The child is blamed while the adults responsible are excused," ShangYan said, his tone cooling slightly. "Deyong is the one who caused this situation. Yet somehow it is easier for everyone to direct their anger toward the person who had no choice in it."
